2023 World Cultural Day: Embrace Yoruba Traditional Culture — Adeleke

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has implored all Yorubas at home and in the Diaspora to embrace the traditional values and culture of the Yorubas. 

Governor Adeleke gave the admonition in Osogbo, the State Capital at the 2023 world cultural day.

The theme of this year's celebration is: "Yoruba Culture and Traditions: What Impact and Development So Far?"

Represented by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Solabomi Akinsola, he frowned at the way many Yorubas have neglected their culture at the expense of Westernisation.

"I want you to note that, our culture is our pride and we have to be proud of it.

"Many of the foreigners are using money to learn Yoruba language, and they prefer to eat our delicacies even in their own countries but it is a pity that we that are the real owners of the culture do not appreciate what we have.

"Most parents are not helping their children in promoting the future of our culture, in terms of dressing, speech, greetings, eating among others.

"Most herbs, vegetables and leaves are fast in healing than many foreign drugs which we spend huge amount of money on to buy," he concluded.

In his opening remarks, the Asiwaju Awo agbaye, Chief Olalekan Atanda appreciated the state government for recognising the traditional worshipers.

Atanda added that traditionalists in Osun had gathered together at Ile-Ife few days ago to pray for Nigeria, the newly elected president, Bola Tinubu and Osun as a whole so that the ancestors should give the incoming president the needed wisdom and strength to rule and make Nigeria a better place.

In their separate goodwill messages, Ambassador Femi Tade, and Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo land, Chief Faniyi Fakayode noted that, as the theme of this year's connotes, Yoruba Culture and Traditions are so beautiful and all necessary machinery should be put in place to augment them at all times for the sake of the present and coming generations.

The duo equally appealed to the present administration in Osun state accord Isese (traditional religion) the necessary attention and consideration like other religions .